THE GREYTOWN GAZETTE

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26 May 2010

MUNICIPALITY WINS LONGSTANDING LEGAL BATTLE

A longstanding legal battle between Umvoti Municipality and Greytonian Stephen Mkhize over the controversial sale in execution of a house belonging to Mkhize has finally resulted in a ruling in favour of the Municipality.

In a reserved judgement Judge Malcolm Wallis in Pietermaritzburg High Court last Friday ruled in favour of the Municipality on a constitutional issue raised on Mkhize’s behalf. In regard to an alternative application in which Mkhize sought damages from the Municipality the Judge ruled it be adjourned indefinitely to give the parties time to consider their positions in the wake of his findings.

Mkhize had brought a case in terms of a Constitutional Court judgement however Judge Wallis ruled that that judgement which effectively found retrospectively that judicial oversight (or a court order) was required before a property could be sold in execution only applied when the property was the debtor’s home. This dealt specifically with the constitutional right to “adequate housing.”

Background to this case is that a house in Durban Street, owned by Mr Mkhize, was sold in December 2002 for R8 000 in a public auction. Rates on the house which was valued between R220 000 and R250 000 were outstanding. In a press report in February 2003 it stated that the correct legal procedures had been followed by the Municipality and its lawyers resulting in the sale in execution at a purchase price of R8 000. There were then queries in regard to the actual title deed of the house and the transfer of the property with legal claims being made that the sale was null and void!

The dispute between Mkhize and the Municipality received nationwide coverage and the officials were required to appear before a Parliamentary committee. This was as a result that the initial buyer of the house, who had paid R8 000 was related to a credit controller employed at the Municipality at that time.

However in the reserved judgement delivered by Judge Wallis last week he said that although the property was residential “it was not and never has been Mkhize’s home. In 1998 Mkhize an his wife had bought the then undeveloped site and a built a house which had not been completed. On his wife’s death in 2000, he had inherited the property but had never actually lived there as the couple had another home.

Following a judgement in the local Magistrate’s Court in regard to rates arrears and other charges as the Sheriff was unable to find sufficient moveable property to satisfy the judgement, a warrant of execution was issued (in terms of existing legislation).The property was sold in execution for R8 000 on 12th December 2003 and the buyer in turn sold it for R350 000 to Mr and Mrs V. Dlamini who took transfer in November 2004.

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SUPA QUICK TENNIS SEMI-FINALS

Saturday and Sunday’s superb “summer” weather enabled payers and spectators alike to enjoy the Supa Quick Champs which featured a few tight matches and a couple of upsets.

The semi-final match between second seed Corné Nefdt and third seed Lynne English went to three sets with Lynne taking the match 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. In an exciting men's doubles semi-final, third seeds Ashley Cotterrell and Ian Hill beat second seeds Dieter Marx and Darryl Evans 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

This Saturday most of the remaining semi-finals and the men's doubles handicap final will be played, so do come along and watch some exciting tennis. There will be no tennis on Sunday. Saturday’s matches are as follows-:

Saturday 29th May 10:30am: D Meyer vs. E Nefdt (H semi-final) 1:30pm: D Marx vs. D Evans (C Semi-final) S Varty and E Gevers vs. T Köhne and W Edkins (C semi-final) 2:30pm: D Evans and G Platt vs. M Barrow and M Platt (H final) 3:30pm D Evans and M Platt (H semi-final)

As there are so few matches being played members and visitors are welcome to come along to play a few games of social tennis.

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GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS

On Wednesday R Aulfes, S Clarke and C Odendaal won the golf on 82 points.

On Friday evening Julian Channing-Pearce lost out on the attendance draw prize money. R400 will be for the taking on Friday, 28 May, but remember you have to be at the Club at 6.30pm to win. The kitchen will be closed this Friday due to the Kammaland supper being held at the Club. Please feel free to bring and braai, the Club will ensure that the fires are ready. Happy Hour has been postponed until Friday, 4 June.

Very important notice for everybody’s attention: As of 1 July all non-members will be subject to a R35 temporary membership fee when visiting the Country Club. Members may sign in one guest per month. Bona fide guests will be exempt from this fee if they are signed in by a member. The bar staff will not serve any person who is not signed in or refuses to pay the R35 fee and such a person will be asked to leave the premises. Anybody interested in becoming a member to contact Elmarie on 0334172441.

On Sunday, 30 May we will be hosting the Ladies Invitation Golf Day and there are still a few golfers needed to fill up the field. R150 entry fee includes your green fee, halftime snack and lunch. Shotgun start at 8.30am. The format is a 4 ball alliance and each team needs at least one lady. Please contact Elmarie if you are interested in playing. There will be wonderful prices to be won as Build-it is the sponsor for the day. Thank you Mr Aulfes.

Dates to diarise:

Fri 28 May - Kitchen closed due to Kammaland function

Sun 30 May - Ladies Invitation Golf Day

Fri 4 Jun - Happy Hour

Sat 5 Jun - Sanlam Cancer Challenge

Sat 12 Jun - Mascor Monthly Mug

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KFA’s YOUNGEST PRESIDENT IN 102 YEARS!

Kranskop Farmers’ Association elected Heino Duvel as President -the youngest in 102 years - at its annual general meeting on 30th April. There was a good turn out of members, visitors and invited guest in the hall which was were beautiful decorated by Heike Ortmann carrying out the theme of conservation.

Reports given by the different portfolios were all very informative. The President Mr. G. E. Meyer, highlighting the World Cup, delivered his report wearing the appropriate soccer world cup hat!.

Keynote speaker was Mr. Joas Rodrigues, chairman of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force who had travelled all the way to give this very informative talk and slide show highlighting the plight of the animals in Zimbabwe.

He does sterling work to save and treat animals there. The Force buys all the milk for baby rhinos in Johannesburg as well as the food. Mr. Rodrigues has also has given talks overseas on the organisation which he and his wife Cheryl,started and run as a non profit organisation. They receive donations from abroad and would appreciate all contributions. Any one who would like to receive the newsletters of the Conservation task force please contact the secretary of K. F.A.

Many thanks to all the sponsors who made the function a success again. Lucky draws were done and there were lots of happy faces around. Sponsors were Standard Bank. FNB, Umvoti Repairs, Pannar, Macbeans. Landbank. aQuellé, St. Cathryns Golf Estate, Farmers Agricare,NCT, Bro-koop.

The new Executive Committee elected for 2010/2011 is:

President: Heino Düvel

Fire Chief: Rolf Königkrämer

Environmental/Tourism Chairman: Piet Nel

Safety and Security/Conservancy Chairman : Geoff Newlands

Radio Communications network Chairman: Heino Düvel/ Hugo Ortmann

Committee Members:Karl-Heinz Düvel:Gunther Meyer:Mandla Dlomo;Hugo Ortmann;Rob West;

Bodo Ortmann

Report: Gertie Kotze.

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WHAT TO DO ABOUT A STOLEN CELLPHONE

Advice on what to do if your cell phone is stolen has been issued Greytown Station commander Lieutenant Colonel S. P. Maphalala as follows:

”As SAPS we implement Operational Agreement between the SAPS and the African Mobile Cellular Operations in fight against crime.

Inform your network provider of your loss.

Cell C : dial 140 from Cell C numbers or 084-140 from other cellphone networks.

MTN : dial 173(pre-paid) or 808 (contract) from MTN numbers or 083-1-173 from landline / cell phone networks.

Vodacom : dial 111 from Vodacom number or 082 111 from landline.

You will then receive a reference number to prove that your cellphone has been blacklisted.

Report the loss of your cellphone also to your nearest police station by providing the referrer number of your black-listed cellphone. The police will then register a case.

A national police coordinator will receive monthly reports of the number of cell phones that has been robbed or stolen all over the country. He /she will then compile a national database of cellphone that had been black-listed in that month. “

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MASCOR UMVOTI POLOCROSSE TOURNAMENT

The Mascor Umvoti Polocrosse Tournament planned for this weekend, at Lake Merthley, will go ahead despite the absence of several top players due to other commitments.

Players will be involved in Internationals in Johannesburg, the Royal Show and many of the scholars will be involved in training sessions in preparation for the Australian, Zimbabwe and Zambian age group internationals.

Nevertheless, strong clubs such as Umhlali, Kargs Post, Tegwaans and Matamo will be involved and a high standard of polocrosse is expected. The S.A. Under 16 will use the tournament to organise their combinations and get in some practice for the test against Australia.

Despite being billed as a “fun” tournament a number of players in line for Provincial selection will be anxious to impress the selectors leading up to the Natal Champs where men’s, ladies’ and age group provincial teams will be announced.

With Saturday night’s entertainment, and relaxed attitude, people always enjoy the Mascor Umvoti Tournament. It is also a ideal opportunity for locals to see what polocrosse is all about.

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LOTS TO DO AT NEW HANOVER NEXT WEEKEND

A celebration of food, fun and games for the whole family has been planned for Friday 4th and SAturday 5th June in New Hanover.

Friday evening New Hanover Prep School will kick off with a soccer tournament involving invited schools -this will continue on Saturday. All Old Scholars are invited to join in for an NHP Soccer Challenge to end off the Festival.

On Saturday the ever popular German Fest, hosted by the Lutheran Church takes place at the church and NHP school grounds. The event will feature plenty of German meats, cakes and other delectable items on sale at the bazaar; there will be ample amounts of scrumptious food, a bier garten, kaffeestube, craft market, tombola and children’s entertainment on offer. There will also be live music to enjoy over lunch with the Blaskappellen Oompah Band. The spirit of the event is to let families enjoy and celebrate the local German community heritage. There will be something for everyone in the family! Dates and times to note are:

Friday 4th June: 15h30 Day/Night Soccer festival for invited schools

Saturday 5th June: 8h00 Breakfast available; 08h30 Soccer festival kick-off.; 09h00;Craft market opens, 10h00 :Kaffeestube and light meals on sale, 10h30: onwards Bazaar opens, Bar facilities available, Tombola, children’s entertainment.

For further information please contact

Contact: Edwin Hohls 082 414 4827 or Fred Bartels 082 577 9982

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OLD SCHOLARS DAY AT GHS

Old scholars day, established to honour the ex-scholars of Greytown High School will be taking place once again on Saturday 29th May.

The day will commence, with a number of matches such as rugby, netball and hockey hosted at the Greytown High School. The evening promises to be very eventful and fun filled with a spitbraai,auction, raffle and a live band.

Everyone is welcome to join us in enjoying this day.

For more information and tickets contact Greytown High School on 033 - 413 2146/7

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readers write

Looking for memories... please help

Sir,

This is an open letter to anyone who can help me find photos, information or even old stories or snippets of memories about my Grandmother.

Mrs Francis F Crawley-Boevery (nee Young) used to teach at a primary school in the Muden area.

She was married to Richard Crawley-Boevery who lived on a fruit farm in the area (possibly as a farm manager or owner) and they had one son.

My father was very young when his mother died, as a result I do not know much about her.

Anyone who may have been taught by her; or who might have something to share, please help me to know more about someone who I think may have been a phenomenal woman.

Contact me on the email address karincarr@gmail.com or write to Karin Carr c/o 20 Kings Road, Pinetown, 3610.

Thank you

Karin Carr

Click here to take you to take you to our page of Greytown Family Histories showing who is related to whom and where everyone fits in!

 

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200 Rand notes to be recalled ...and beware dud R5 coins too!

Following major problems with counterfeit R200 notes which have been floating round the system in South Africa for some time now the South African Reserve Bank has announced that it will be removing ing old R200 notes from circulation. It was reported that over a million rands worth of R200 fake notes had been brought in from Lesotho and were being sold in South Africa.

Notes to be withdrawn are those produced prior to 2005 which:

*bear the signature of either Chris Stals of Tito Mbolweni-however check out the other features as there are new notes which bear Tito Mbolweni’s signature and these are not part of the recall.

*banks will no longer issue R200 notes from the old series

*anyone who is holding such R200 notes is encouraged to exchange such at banks by 31st May. Old notes will remain legal tender even after that date.

*value will not be given for any counterfeit notes which are exchanged or detected in deposits.

The Greytown Gazette also received calls this week from members of the public to the effect that counterfeit R5 coins are once again surfaced. Best test to check if genuine or not - if a magnet connects with the coin it is really five rand!

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GOOD LUCK TO COMRADE MARATHON RUNNERS

There are 30 Umvoti Athletic Club runners taking part in Comrades Marathon this Sunday and here’s wishing them a really good well paced run and a finish in grand style and within time!

This year’s down run is 110m longer than last year -a total distance of 89.28km which over 20 000 runners are expected to cover. Included in what is hoped to be a Guinness Book of Records entry for the highest number of finishers in an ultra marathon are 5000 novices ...and from Umvoti too.

Many of the Umvoti entrants have been seen for the past few months , in the very early hours of the morning, running through the streets of town and surrounding roads- their commitment and hard work is sure to get them over that magical line well within time!

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FAMILY FUN DAY AND WINTER FAIR

Greytown Secondary School is holding a Family Fun Day and Winter fair on 31st July at the school. The school is raising funds to improve the quality of teaching and learning as to maintain the infrastructure.

It is hoped that all sectors of Greytown’s community will share this day with the educators and learners of Greytown Secondary thus making it a success. There will be lots of entertainment for the children in the form of face painting, jumping castle and games. Delicious food items will be sold by the school’s food stall and dedications will be aired throughout the day. In addition for sports orientated individuals there will be various sports competitions, soccer and tug - - war, thunee and darts.. You will have to be there to share in the fun and excitement. A reminder to the public that stalls are available at R100.00 each. Those interested are requested to contact the school on 0334132452

Sir,

Greytown has continual water supply problems, pot holed streets, broken pavements, dirt roads that need tarring, and many schools that would benefit greatly from an injection of capital to uplift the local population. And what does the brainless, unemployable-under-normal-circumstances IFP majority council do? They spend nearly a million Rand on concerts, meals, travel and entertainment in one single month of April!

Why do I get the feeling that the Mayor and councilors have absolutely no idea whatsoever as to what rates and taxes are for, and why they have been asked to represent local people on the council?

I have watched the Municipality saga in Pietermaritzburg unfold to its current disastrous climax, caused by incompetent and crooked councillors and managers, and wonder when our turn will come to kick out our bunch of incompetent, councillors, who think only of their own pockets and enjoyment, and care zilch for uplifting local infrastructure and facilities, and improving the local population’s fortunes. Hopefully the town will still be standing when that happens.

Mike Barrow

Greytown,

19 May 2010

Umvoti Municipality spends over R800 000 on April functions

In the interests of ratepayers, who could be paying an additional 9% in rates, if this is accepted by Council at its meeting on 27th May, the Greytown Gazette is publishing the following facts - with no comment. These are the figures which were tabled at last Thursday’s Executive meeting for the funding of functions arranged by Umvoti Municipality in April.

12th April in the Town Hall, a function for people with disabilities (an estimated 200 were present)

Budget was R150 000 but just R80,700 was spent.

Programme director received R8 000; professional musician; R30 000; catering was R16 000; sound system; R7 5000; transport R13 050; Sweet Melodies R5 000 and do not forget the hire of table cloths R216.

Then there were three IDP/Budget mayoral imbizos held in Matimatolo, Kranskop and Greytown on 19th, 20th and 21st April. A budget of R100 000 had been allocated by the Municipality for these three functions and R98 300 was spent as follows:

three lots of artists (Mthaniya; Mtshengise and AMA SAP) at all three imbizos cost a total of R69 000 and programme director for all three was paid R10 000.

However two artists are included in the list of the 20 highest paid creditors for April and were paid R63 000 which added to the R98 300 actually totals R161 500 (R61 500 over the budget of R100 000). These artists were Mtshengiseni Gcwensa - R33 000 and Khabozinto entertainment R30 000.

This is also not the final total as refreshments and sound charges for Greytown are not shown. The amount for sound for Matimatolo and Kranskop is R12 000 and for refreshments for the two R8 300.

Highest amount was budgetted for the local artist Indaba held in Greytown Town Hall on 26th April for which a total of R280 000 was allocated - R159 000 was spent as follows:-

Costs were based on 250 people attending and R15 000 was the cost of catering with another R2 000 for 500 bottles of spring water.

However, again, MPF Production is shown in the 20 highest paid creditors having been paid R162 000 for the “job done - artists indaba” so add another R162 000 to the R159 000 and the total cost then is R321 000(R41 000 over budget)

Artists who provided the entertainment received the following:

Indigenous music: R10 000;

Hip Hop:R20 000;

Kwaito: R20 000;

performing arts:R20 000;

gospel music: R20 000;

Football Couch:R20 000.

Then an amount of R15 000 for artist’s flight and car hire and to put it altogether: management/co-ordination and logistics fees came to R27 000.

Umvoti Gospel competition held on 27th April behind the Municipal offices exceeded its budget of R150 000 with a total of R166 905 being spent as follows:

Transport: R17 500;

Sound: R9 500;

Catering R16 500;

Water R405 and

“Ultimate Exposure/Mandla Mdletshe., project co-ordinator “received R123 000.(also listed in the 20 highest paid creditors)

Grand total of the above R730 104 to which must still be added R50 00 paid to the Umvoti Municipality newspaper for advertisement, folders exam pads (also included in the highest paid creditors) and R33 521 for advertising the IDP/budget in two out of town newspapers

ALL IN ALL A GRAND TOTAL OF R813 625 was spent by Umvoti Municipality on 6 functions in April

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Polocrosse super star tournament

Mooi River was the centre of polocrosse over the weekend with invitation sides competing in the Mooi River tournament as well as trials for U/14, U/16 and U/19 sides to play Zambia later this year and intensive coaching and preparation for the junior Internationals players who take on Australia at Mooi River in July.

Umvoti players involved were Damien and Cavan O’Sullivan, Ulrich Bosse, Dean Flowers, Janine Meyer, Jacquie Minnaar, Ryan Gibbs, Thembi Madonsela, Colin Storey and Mathew During. Of these as many as seven will be involved in internationals this year. It is quite an achievement for Umvoti to have so many young players getting national recognition. The most worthy of mention is ten-year old Jacquie Minnaar who is in the U/14 squad. Jacquie is now reaping the benefit of her years in the Pee Wee programme as she now has the strength and ability to put what she learnt into practice.

Other Umvoti scholars in the national squads are Damien, Ulrich, Jarryd, Janine, Thembi and Cavan. Thembi and Cavan may well find themselves turning out for Zambia or Zimbabwe who are short of players in that age group.

As well as supplying players, Umvoti is providing two coaches in Patrick O’Sullivan and Caroline Minnaar. Patrick will coach the U/16 side while Caroline will have charge of the U/14s.

There is a very pleasing increase in the number of scholars playing polocrosse. This is partly due to the Pee Wee programme where even the youngest children are encouraged to play under parental supervision and the fact that there are a number of internationals which is an incentive for the youngsters to aim for national colours. Over fifty scholars will be involved in internationals this season.

The Umvoti tournament and the KZN championships at Noodsberg are two tournaments to look forward to. While the Umvoti tournament will be a fun tournament the KZN Champs will be hotly contested with players striving for a place in their provincial teams to participate in the Inter provincials which will be held at Noodsberg over the weekend of 3/4 July. Two weeks later will be the Junior Internationals against Australia, Zambia and Zimbabwe which will be the highlight of the polocrosse season.

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HELP NEEDED TO GIVE ZODWA A BRIGHTER FUTURE

In March, the Greytown Gazette appealed for assistance for young Zodwa Buthelezi who was struck deaf and dumb eight years ago after a bout of meningitis and has been lovingly cared for by her school going sister since the death of their mother four years ago.

Audiologist Lee Tacon who has been monitoring Zodwa appealed for assistance for funding to assist in providing a hearing aid so that she could attend Kwathinda Deaf School in Durban. Latest news is that Zodwa now has a hearing aid and this week started at Kwathindwa

Sihle from the Umvoti Centre has been very helpful and is driving Zodwa and her older sister Thuli to the school this morning. Unfortunately the Umvoti Centre for which he works has had to cover the petrol costs and they are still in need of donations in order for them to keep providing this service to our community.

Zodwa has started school with the bare essentials and as she is a boarder will need to take things like toiletries and washing powder with her at the start of each term. These essentials were sponsored for the rest of this term but if there are any donations for next term (starting in July) they would be much appreciated, the school has faxed through a list of items expected from each boarder if anyone is interested. There is also a school tracksuit which would be nice for her to wear to school on the colder days but costs R240 so she is just wearing the school t-shirt and shorts for now.

I apologise if this sounds like another plea for funds but I am amazed at how much the family is expected to provide... Her aunt will be applying for a Disability Grant this week so hopefully it will come through soon (they usually take about 2- 3 months to register) and then the family will be able to pay for her school fees etc. School fees are R500 a month.

Thank you so much for your support and interest both personally and from the Gazette.

Lee Tacon

Greytown Hospital

CSO Audiologist

work - (033) 4138540

Fax - (033) 4138557

Cell - 0834469873

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BIRDS OF A FEATHER ALTOGETHER!

Greytown Garden Club members and visitors enjoyed the best of these late Autumn days in the beautiful, bird-friendly garden of Martin and Madeline Hill for the club’s May meeting held last Tuesday.. To create a garden for birds is to create a living garden providing for a wide range of other creatures as well. The talk, presented by local gardener and naturalist Jen Cowie, highlighted the added value that the presence of birdlife can bring to a garden and emphasized the interdependence of all forms of garden wildlife.

Providing natural sources of food to cater for all avian preferences as well as making a garden a haven where birds feel safe to shelter and breed, results in a beautiful and enjoyable garden which also abounds with life. Following the talk members were encouraged to walk around and enjoy the magnificent setting with all its varied “garden rooms”.

Members responded generously to the appeal for “Rape Survivor Bags”. A good number of bags containing useful items for people who have endured such a trauma will be presented to the Umvoti Aids Centre for distribution as required.

Next month’s Garden Club meeting will be held at the Seniors’ Service Centre at Concordia, please take note of the change of venue. It is the Annual General Meeting so all members are requested to attend and bring along suggestions of topics and speakers for next year’s calendar.

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GREYTOWN COUNTRY CLUB NEWS

On Friday evening Pete Anderson lost out on the attendance draw money. The next draw will be held on Friday, 21 May at 6.30pm, but remember you have to be present to win. R300 will be up for the taking. Hope to see you all at the Club on Friday evening.

Very important notice for everybody’s attention: As of 1st July all non-members will be subject to a R35 temporary membership fee when visiting the Club. Members may sign in a guest once a month and bona fide guests will be exempt from this fee if they are signed in by a member. The bar staff will not serve any person who is not signed in or who refuses to pay the R35 fee and such a person will be asked to leave the premises. Anybody out there interested in becoming a member of the Club must please feel free to pick up a form from the Club or contact Elmarie on 033 417 2441.

On Sunday 30 May the Ladies’ Invitation Golf Day will be played. The event is sponsored by Build It. There will be lots of great prizes up for the winning. R150 entry fee which includes halftime refreshments and lunch. Format is 4 Ball Alliance and each team must comprise one lady and three men. Please phone Elmarie on 033 417 2441 or enter the form up on the notice board at the Club.

Dates to diarise:

Fri 28 May - Happy Hour

Sun 30 May – Ladies’ Invitation Day

Sat 5 Jun - Sanlam Cancer Challenge

Sat 12 Jun - Monthly Mug

Sat 19 Jun - MEMPS Golf Day

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WHY PMB AND MIDLANDS CHOIR WAS FOUNDED?

This Choir was founded in 2007 to give children in Grades 9-12 the opportunity to expand their musical horizons through singing music more challenging than that which they might ordinarily encounter in their school choirs. The repertoire is representative of the Western and Southern African choral traditions in particular, as well as music from other parts of the world.

The original idea of a new youth choir came about in that choristers from the PMB Children’s Choir lacked a selected choir to which they could graduate once they had outgrown the PMBCC. Patrick Harty (ex-Muden) took over the role of Choir Conductor in 2010.

With regard to travelling expenses, choristers from schools in outlying districts are required to attend rehearsals only once every two weeks. A condition of this concession is that a reasonable degree of musical preparation for rehearsals is undertaken by such choristers.

During 2009 the Choir toured to Argentina besides many other performances. Of the 18 schools represented in the Choir Wembley College currently has three members in the choir. They will be performing in the Wembley College Aloe Hall on Friday 28 May at 6:30.

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Watch out for paperclips in ATMs

A customer withdrawing money from an ATM in Wartburg could have lost his money -through a paper clip. Wayne Kennedy-van Dam who works for B-Secure said that an elderly lady was standing at the ATM last Friday -she had put her card in and told him no money had come out. Wayne had a close look-said the “money gate” was open in the machine with what looked like a wire in the middle. As he could see the notes he managed to grab the corner of the notes and the gate closed. He presented a much relieved lady with her R500.

Then it was his turn and he put his card in -and the same thing happened -he again managed to pull his money out.

On a closer look it turned out that the “piece of wire” which looked like part of the equipment was, in actual fact, a paper clip which had been very professionally inserted. Wayne managed to remove the paper clip and report the attempted robbery to FNB and the Police.

However he asked the Greytown Gazette to alert ATM users to this and also that if it does happen the money can be reached and pulled out through the right hand side of the ATM.

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SUPA QUICK TENNIS SEMI FINALS

Supa Quick Championship semi finals will be played this weekend with some exciting matches on the courts. Spectators are most welcome to come along,enjoy the tennis and have a cup of tea or two.

This past weekend saw some excellent tennis being played. The handicap matches, in particular, have been very interesting, with new talent coming to the fore.

The championship matches are progressing well with most of the seeded players getting through to the semi-finals. Only upset so far has been that of number three seed Lynne English who beat number two seed Corné Nefdt in a closely fought three setter.

In the mixed doubles championship semi-final match between first seeds Clive Edkins and Erika Gevers and fourth seeds Dieter Meyer and Lynne English went to three sets with Clive and Erika being the eventual winners. One would never have said that Dieter had already played three matches! Guy Platt, having played two championship matches, played out of his ‘tackies’ with Darryl Evans to win their men's doubles semi-final handicap match against Ashley Cotterrell and Ian Hill. It possibly had something to do with it being his birthday!

In the other semi-final match, Mike Barrow and Martin Platt had a close tussle against Dieter Meyer and Pierre Steyn, winning 7-4.

The handicap finals and the mixed doubles championship final will take place on Saturday 5th June and the championship singles and doubles finals on Sunday 6th June followed by prize giving and a bring and braai.

Order of play for this weekend is as follows-:

Saturday 22nd May 8:00am:

G Platt and T Köhne vs. D Evans and C Nefdt (C);

1:30pm: D Marx vs. M Barrow (C)

C Nefdt and L English vs. P Paul and C Adendorff (C semi-final)

K Cowie and S Varty vs. D Evans and D Comins (H)

2:30pm: S Varty vs. C Nefdt (H semi-final)

D Marx vs. D Evans (H)

L English vs. S Thomson (H semi-final)

3:30pm: S Varty and E Gevers vs. C Nefdt and L English (H semi-final)

P Paul and M Hardy vs. I Surendorff and W Edkins (H semi-final)

C Edkins vs. E Nefdt (H)

Sunday 23rd May

9:30am: Winner K Cowie and S Varty/D Evans and D Comins vs.

A Cotterrell and L English (H semi-final)

10:30am: C and W Edkins vs. C and E Nefdt (H)

A Cotterrell and I Hill vs. D Marx and D Evans (C semi-final)

11:30am: Winner G Platt and T Köhne/ D Evans and C Nefdt vs. A Cotterrell and C Adendorff (C semi-final) (if possible)

12 May 2010

 

5 May 2010

Greytown Country Club News

Wednesday Golf was won by Richard Chiazzari, the runner-up was Chris Odendaal.

Friday evening’s Happy Hour was a great success. Thank you to our sponsors: Engen and Farmers Agricare sponsored the lovely chicken-a-la-king prepared by Joanne. Thank you Clive and Patrick. Greytown Beer Distributors sponsored the SAB beer.

The winners of the draw were Richard Cyrus and Peter Koller. They were the last two standing and decided to share the money and the bottle of Chivas Regal. S Munitich and J Wagner won the consolation prizes.

On Saturday we hosted the annual PANNAR Golf Day, with 76 golfers taking to our beautiful golf course. Thank you to Juanita Mason and her committee for organising this successful day. The food was delicious and there were some wonderful prizes won. The results are as follows:

1st: Bruce Patterson, Don Don Patterson, Clive Cole and Laura Cole (95) ;

2nd: Marthinus Steyn, Sydney Bondesio, Barry Oehme and Steve van der Merwe (88);

3rd: Tubby Larkan, Louw Lotter, Rob Egner and Tony Egner (87)

On Wednesday, 5 May Joanne will serve another fabulous Wednesday special - Surf & Turf (fillet steak) with chips for only R45 per person. Bookings essential. The special will be served from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Dates to diarise:

8 May - Mascor Monthly Mug

28 May - Happy Hour

30 May – Ladies’ Invitation

5 Jun - Sanlam Cancer Challenge

12 Jun - Mascor Monthly Mug

19 Jun - MEMPS Golf Day

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ST CATHRYN’S NEWS

With the Pannar golf day on in Greytown and the massive influx of visitors to the HMB Schulfest, the course was very quiet over the weekend. At Schulfest a chipping competition was held - a temporary green was constructed with flag stick, two trees and mounds around the green. It gave the feeling of a real green. 150 tickets were sold to determine who the best “chipper” was on the day. Four divisions made up the strong competition.

The results:

Scholar Girls : Ilse Ortman

Scholar Boys: Mathias Rommelspacher

Ladies : Nicole Chapman

Men : Barry Chapman.

Champion on the day: Mathias Rommelspacher.

On Saturday 8 May, we are hosting the Greytown Feeding Project golf day at St Cathryn’s. The format is 4BBBS and visitors are most welcome to join members. Tee off is from 10h30 and the cost is R 200.00 per player. This entry fee covers competition fee, half time and supper. Even if you are a golfer in the making or a wanna be golfer please come and support this very needy cause. If you would like to make any donations please feel free to drop all donations at St Cathryn’s.

The Greytown Feeding Project is a Non-profit Volunteer programme to alleviate hunger in the Umvoti area and is run totally by volunteers. Please come and support this very worthy cause.

Contact Piet Nel 083 269 1661.

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ENVIRO QUIZ NEXT WEEK

Its an entertaining and interesting evening to learn facts about the environment - the Mondi/Wessa/Umvoti interschools enviro quiz on Tuesday 11th May in the Hermannsburg Church Hall

The first three teams will be awarded books. There is a merit award for the team showing the most promise and “Wizzard Worms’s” floating trophy to the winning team. The winning team will go forward to the nation Mondi-Wessa interschools finals to be held at UKZN Pietermaritzburg on Friday 23rd July. High Schools taking part are reminded that they must register -two teams per school with four in each team.

For further information please contact the Wessa quiz co-ordinator Cliff Walton on debcliff@telkomsa.net or fax 033 413 2790.

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IS GARDENING FOR THE BIRDS?

With the combined threats of global warming, pollution, an increasing human population and the spread of urban development, wild life, and in particular birds, are finding that their natural habitat is being radically reduced. So it is becoming more and more necessary for gardens to cater for wildlife as well as providing the traditional joy and pleasure to the gardener.

All gardens, large or small, can be planted to encourage birds to live or visit and at the same time providing endless hours of joy for the resident humans.

Join Greytown Garden Club at “The Folly”, in the beautiful, bird-friendly garden of Martin and Madeleine Hill at 9h00 for 9h30 on Tuesday 11th May to find out more about creating a living garden that is not only visually beautiful but also provides food and sanctuary for birds and other creatures.

Guests are very welcome. Please remember to bring a chair and, as the committee will soon be casting about for ideas for topics for the 2010/2011 programme, will be gladly received. A reminder to members to please bring along their rape survivor “Goodie Bags” or items for these bags as discussed at the last meeting.

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URGENT CLEAN UP FOR KRANSKOP NEEDED

”Its a mess “

”It used to be such a pretty village”

But not anymore. The Greytown Gazette has received numerous complaints from residents and members of the public about the appalling filth, rubbish, litter and and general lack of services in Kranskop.

Its not only the irregular collection of waste which results in filth being spread but also the total disregard to basic laws of dumping, traffic, building etc Animals, cattle and goats, are being sold illegally on the commonage; buildings are being put up haphazardly; rubbish is dumped just anywhere resulting in animals scavenging through and spreading rubbish and disease, over an even wider area.

Longtime Kranskop resident who is also Umvoti Municipal Speaker, Councillor Hitla Maharaj told the Greytown Gazette that he had raised the lack of service and deterioration of living conditions in Kranskop with the Council and Municipal officials on many occasions as he and his family experienced it. He said that he received numerous complaints from Kranskop residents which he passed on to the Municipality for action.

Kranskop Police Chief, Lieutenant Colonel Caroline Minnaar told the Greytown Gazette that the most frightening result of the total disregard of regular maintainence, service and laws was that Kranskop has the highest number of unlicensed drivers in KZN resulting in 10 to 12 accidents a month.

Vehicles are parked anywhere and anyhow. Because there is no demarcation of roads in the village as well as no demarcated parking areas it is not possible for the Police to check on drivers for licenses or the roadworthiness of vehicles. This has resulted in a number of pedestrians and passengers being injured and/or killed.

It also makes driving in the village an obstacle race as drivers have to weave their way through the haphazardly parked vehicles not even sure if they are still driving on a road surface or not!

Another problem from a general Policing point of view is that because of the piles of rubbish round the streets criminals can and do hide stolen goods in these piles.

Until recently grass verges were not cut. It took a murder, where the killers hid in the long grass and ambushed their victim to have the verges cut at fairly regular intervals.

Reports that roads are being tarred have been circulating for some time but frustrated residents state they haven’t seen any work in process.

Last year Kranskop residents suffered to the same extent as Greytown residents on the water front - with supply problems affecting all. Another borehole has now been processed and fortunately, according to reports, there is now a regular supply of water.

On behalf of all the residents who care about their village here’s hoping that Kranskop, in the near future, will once again be the clean, crime free, rubbish free village it was in the past but with the addition of new tarred roads and parking spaces!

One positive happening - Kranskop Junior School has been identified as the site for World Cup big screen viewing-headmaster Mr R. Maharaj said that he was awaiting confirmation and details from Umzinyathi District Municipal.

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PLEASE SUPPORT GREYTOWN FEEDING PROJECT GOLF DAY

Hundreds of needy young and old are fed each week by Greytown Feeding Project -for many the Tuesday and Thursday meal is the only hot food they eat during the week. Many outpatients at Greytown Hospital, who leave home in the very early hours of the morning are also given a lifeline by the Project which provides food daily. Creches around town are also assisted as well as the destitute, orphans and unemployed.

This amazing project operates on a non-profit volunteer basis funded by donations from the generous public. Having recently been granted a piece of land by the Municipality the GFP is hoping to realise its dream soon of building a proper feeding venue there which will cater for all its needs.

As a fundraiser a golf day is being held at St Catherine’s this Saturday, 8th May -please support through playing or sponsoring or donating . For more information contact Greytown Feeding Project chairman Mr D.R. Aheer on 082 778 0282, For details about playing in the four ball better ball stableford please phone Piet Nel on 033 444 1945 - tee off time is 10.30 a.m. and the entrance fee of R200 per player includes, dinner, refreshments and good prizes.

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BIZ BITZ...JIKELA

It's abuzz with activity -the newly opened Jikela is obviously filling a gap in the market for people who either want to sell items or buy something specific.

Owner Lee Cilliers, who with husband Humboldt has been farming in Muden for the past four years, is a dynamic entrepreneur who saw in this instance that there was an opening for such a service.

For anyone wanting to minimalise their lifestyle; needing the space those unused household items take up or even wanting to sell up a whole household of goods Jikela is your contact. With a policy that the public appreciate value for money items are very reasonably priced which also results in fast turnover.

Manager Harry Erasmus, who comes from the Northern Cape is always on hand to assist if Lee is away covering auction sales etc in KZN.

With a sucessful business background - Lee and Humboldt started the popular Stationmaster’s Arms at Mooi River -Jikela is certainly proving that looking for, finding a gap in the market and then taking positive action, is the way to move forward.

For further information about Jikela please phone Lee on 082 565 4837

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READERS WRITE

Home required please

Sir,

I am a 69 year old male pensioner who receives a monthly pension. I am bilingual and have been self supportive, living in a caravan on a nature reserve near Muden for the past 2 years and wish to relocate to a similar environment.

I am a general handyman and am fit enough to offer my services in lieu of rent.

I live with my Jack Russel as companionship.

Please contact me via SMS on 072 246 6729 or Mrs Mumford on 031 762 16902.

Eric Bell

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